Summer can be one of the toughest seasons to protect your trees and lawn due to long hours of sunshine, high temperatures, and dry soil, all of which can leave lawns looking tired and put trees under stress. Thankfully, a little preparation and care can help your garden to stay healthy throughout the hottest months of the year.
At Tree & Lawn Company, we provide professional tree care and grounds maintenance across Colchester and Essex, helping domestic and commercial landscapes remain safe, attractive, and resilient throughout the year. Here, we share eight practical ways to protect your trees and lawn during summer heat
1. Water deeply, not just frequently
During long dry spells, trees benefit from thorough watering that allows moisture to reach deeper into the soil and encourage stronger root development. Newly planted trees generally need particular attention because their root systems are not yet established.
2. Give your lawn a little extra height
Cutting grass too short during hot weather can leave it vulnerable to heat and drought stress. Raising the mower height slightly gives the grass a little extra height, helping it retain moisture and maintain healthier roots.
3. Mulch around trees
A layer of organic mulch around their base can help you protect your trees through retaining moisture, regulating soil temperature, and suppressing competing weeds. Mulching is particularly useful during periods of heat because it reduces how quickly soil dries out. Remember to leave a clear space around the trunk, as this helps to prevent moisture-related problems and decay.
4. Check trees for signs of stress
Heat and drought can reveal problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, so look for wilting or discoloured foliage, dying branches, bark damage, and other unusual changes. Regular tree inspections by an accredited tree surgeon can identify signs of dehydration, disease, or pest activity early, giving you a better chance of fixing issues before they become serious problems.
5. Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning
Excessive pruning can add unnecessary stress to trees during hot weather conditions. Before carrying out significant pruning in summer, consider the tree species, its condition, and the reason for pruning. Where complex work is needed, professional advice can help ensure the right approach is taken while protecting the tree’s health.
6. Protect young trees
Recently planted trees are particularly vulnerable to hot, dry weather, so it’s important to keep their root zones watered and monitor them more closely than older trees. If a young tree is exposed to strong winds, support may help protect it from damage while its roots become established.
7. Minimise lawn stress
During extreme heat, avoid excessive foot traffic on visibly stressed grass and make sure irrigation reaches the lawn evenly rather than creating isolated wet and dry patches. If your lawn has developed significant bare or damaged areas, avoid carrying out major renovation at the height of summer unless reliable irrigation is available.
8. Plan ahead for changing weather
Summer rarely means heat alone, and heavy rain can follow periods of drought, potentially exposing weak branches or poorly maintained trees to additional risks. Regularly inspecting your trees and maintaining them throughout the year can help you to spot problems before wind and rain arrive.
Protecting tree and lawns in summer FAQs
How often should I water trees during hot weather?
Soil type, tree age, species, and weather conditions all affect how often a tree needs watering in hot weather. Focus on thorough watering of the root zone and monitor the soil rather than relying on a fixed schedule.
Should I fertilise my lawn during a heatwave?
It’s best to avoid applying fertiliser when grass is already under significant heat or drought stress. Prioritise appropriate watering and wait for better weather conditions before undertaking other lawn treatments.
Can I prune trees in summer?
Some trees can be pruned during late summer, but the right timing depends on the species, purpose of pruning, and tree condition. Professional guidance is advisable for significant work, particularly where safety or tree health is involved.
If you need help to protect your trees or lawn in the summer heat, contact Tree & Lawn Company for professional tree surgery, inspections, and grounds maintenance, and request a free quote.